2 Esdras 7:11-24
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11 Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
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12 Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,: and very painful.
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13 For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and brought immortal fruit.
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14 If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.
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15 Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?
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16 Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which is present?
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17 Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.
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18 Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
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19 And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none that hath understanding above the Highest.
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20 For there be many that perish in this life, because they despise the law of God that is set before them.
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21 For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
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22 Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined vain things;
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23 And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
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24 But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed his works.